Life fund consolidator Phoenix Life has widened its partnership with Just Retirement to allow clients access to the government's new pension freedoms and simplified advice.

Standard Life is urging advisers to review their clients' legacy personal pensions to avoid their beneficiaries being forced to buy an annuity when they inherit the pots and avoid potential future negligence claims.

There has been a sharp rise in demand for financial advice over the past 12 months, according to accountants, who claimed people have become more aware of pensions and inheritance tax planning.

Rival network appeals to burnt advisers

Retirement planning firm Intelligent Pensions has launched a pension transfer service for advisers wanting to help their clients transfer out of defined benefit (DB) schemes.

Clive Balchin had been with Sesame for 18 years but an ever more stringent approach to compliance pushed him to hand in his notice - just days before the group announced it was shutting its investment network.

Retirement specialist Just Retirement has partnered with wealth management technology firm GBST to power its new platform for retirement savings to be launched in the coming month.

Zurich-backed network Openwork has launched a training programme to help its advisers attain QCF Level 6 qualifications and the Chartered Financial Planner designation.

Five IFAs' election wishes

An advice firm consolidator is requiring all of its advisers to attain Chartered status, requiring Level 6 qualifications - two grades above the minimum.